Our time in Nepal was brief but it slid into the realm of the timeless.I still haven’t integrated into words what we experienced there.But I can say a few things:

Kathmandu is more polluted by far than Bangkok – unbelievable!We found an oasis of sorts in the Mustang Holiday Inn (no relation to the American one, that’s for sure!), that was somewhat hidden from the incessant horn honking and diesel smoke-spewing traffic.With that as our base, we ventured into places where we could breathe.

The tantric temples of Nepal are what attracted us, and it was amazing to me to be sitting in temples full of symbolism that I understood:the 6-pointed star, the gods and goddesses, the shiva linga, the yoni platforms, etc.In some of the places I really felt the power.That’s what I’m still integrating.

We went to be in a Tibetan Buddhist place, and that felt both familiar and exotic.I often directed my prayers toward Tibet, thanking it for holding the sacred tradition that is now out in the world, and asking for its release from suffering under the Chinese.

We met up with artists from a Tibetan school of painting in Bhaktapur, and James and they had a real meeting of the minds and hearts.They toured us through the school, which is run by a Tibetan lama, and we marveled at the thankas they painted.They also very much appreciated James’ paintings, and our work.

There were plenty of Hindu temples and shrines, too, which also felt familiar as I could name the divine characters and many of the scenes.

A strange thing about the many Nepalese we met was the very deep connections that we forged.Perhaps it is because this country has only been open to the outside world for less than 60 years, and they haven’t become jaded to foreigners.I noticed that when we said goodbye to new friends, I would get a lump in my throat and linger at the farewell, just like old friends.I noticed they, too, would look back and wave after we had parted.

We even had a meeting with a yogic master who teaches Eastern tantra (breathing, mantra, visualization) – a spirited discussion that collected a crowd around us.I think people were taken aback that we were arguing with the master, but it was a respectful exchange that we all felt better for.And the master, Dr. Chandra, is a high guy – no doubt about it.His eyes emanated light.It was a true honor to meet him.

James has repeated often that he feels privileged to be in Nepal. Closed for all these centuries . . . and here we are meeting people, visiting the temples, beholding the Himalayas.